In a surprising turn of events, the much-anticipated Bollywood film ‘Fighter’ has been banned in several Gulf countries and suspended in the UAE. The movie, set against the backdrop of India’s response to the sensitive Pulwama terrorist attack, has raised concerns, leading to its prohibition in multiple regions.
Initial reports from Indian media suggested that fans in Gulf nations, eagerly awaiting the film’s premiere, would be left disappointed, as ‘Fighter’ was blocked from release in all Gulf countries except the UAE. The exact reason for this ban was initially undisclosed, creating speculation and curiosity among the audience.
Trade analyst Girish Johar confirmed the ban, stating on X, “The film’s trailer faced criticism, particularly for its depiction of the Pulwama attack.” Some sections in Pakistan accused the film of promoting an “anti-Pakistan” agenda and exploiting a sensitive issue. These criticisms, coupled with the film’s controversial theme, likely influenced the decisions of the Gulf censor boards.
Despite facing suspension and bans in certain regions, ‘Fighter’ will continue its theatrical run in India. Director Siddharth Anand addressed concerns, urging viewers to watch the film in its entirety for context before forming an opinion based solely on the trailer. He emphasized that ‘Fighter’ aims to raise questions about terrorism without instigating animosity towards any particular nation. The lead cast, including Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the film’s message of unity against terrorism.
In addition to Roshan and Padukone, the film boasts a stellar cast with Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, and Sanjeeda Shaikh. ‘Fighter’ is jointly produced by Viacom18 Studios and Marflix Pictures, presenting a bold and controversial take on a critical issue that has stirred debates across borders.
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